Meet Dre Lamparello: Sfx/Makeup artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dre Lamparello and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dre, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Growing up I was never one to take risks unless it came to something I was passionate about. I grew up in Edison NJ and most of my family is still there. The biggest risk I have taken was nine years ago, when I moved out to LA to pursue my dream career as a makeup artist. This was new territory for my family and I, but with their love and support I went for it. After attending school at Joe Blasco (where I was working two jobs ,totally unrelated to makeup) I began to take jobs that had little to no budget for the makeup artist. Working 12 hour days with minimal pay just to rack up credits and network was a risky move. I persisted and continued to take risks and it paid off. I now am a full time professional makeup artist with my own client list and finally am paid what I am worth. I am still continuing to grow but I am at a place in my life I never would have imagined nine years ago. I am living my dream and always continue taking risks to advance my career further. I learned to step outside my safe comfort zone, and it has paid off beyond my wildest dreams.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have always been fascinated with the different Special effect makeup in old films. How the makeup can further a story line and make you believe the world you are watching is real. I love dark macabre and horror. There is beauty in darkness and the way horror films can draw you in and make you believe the unnatural is a reality is what I love. I study other artists’ work and am constantly trying new techniques. In my line of work things are always evolving and changing and I strive to keep up with the times. When people are frightened or grossed out from my makeup I know I did a good job, (that’s what I was hoping for). Seeing the directors’ vision and characters come to life brings me a sense of joy and accomplishment. Yes, there were challenges along the way, and getting to where I am wasn’t a piece of cake. Long hours, low budgets, difficult clients all added to the struggle. I never gave up hope or sight of my dream. I persisted in my craft and continued to learn and try new things. If you are vigilant, good at your craft and positive attitude you are sure to go far in any career you choose. Having a good imagination doesn’t hurt either. As an artist, to create a vision and bring other people’s ideas to fruition, and ultimately see the final product on the big screen is so rewarding. What I want other aspiring artists to know, is to never lose sight of your dream. There will always be ups and downs, but push through the hard times and the out come is amazing.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If friends were in town I would start by taking them on all the hikes I know. I’ll definitely stay clear of Runyon Canyon (it’s too mainstream) so that means I’ll show them the hidden stair cases off Beachwood. The architecture and atmosphere in that area has old Hollywood vibes I love. We will bike through Griffith Park and explore the old LA zoo. I would show them the Hollywood tower apartments and the Millennium Biltmore hotel in downtown LA (because that was the inspiration for theTower of Terror in Disney). And then, we will picnic in the Hollywood Forever cemetery. We will get amazing Thai food in Thai town and have a blast cooking our own kbbq in Korea town. And since its their first time in LA I’d have to take them to Leo’s taco truck for an amazing tasty taco. Being that I do live in Hollywood, I’ll definitely take them by the Chinese theater (my east coast family gets starstruck by where the award shows are held). There are also fun pop ups that occur throughout Hollywood whether it’s a drive through “Stranger Things” experience or the haunted house from “IT” there are always adventures to be had. There are plenty of themed bars, like Good Time at Davey Wayne’s, or No Vacancy that will be sure to leave a lasting impression on my friends. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My teacher from Joe Blasco Kari Lynch-Koerper and Scott Ramp who took a risk on hiring me at FrightFest (one of my first Sfx jobs) and teaching me what he knows.

Website: https://m.tiktok.com/h5/share/usr/6780224069759468550.html

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drelamparellomua/?hl=en

Twitter: https://twitter.com/muadre?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alamparello

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Alamparello/about

Other: https://m.facebook.com/drelamparellomua https://m.imdb.com/name/nm5468427/

Image Credits
Photographer Chris Tiki